Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members occupied most of the seats at the stadium. They could be seen in various uniform colors mainly, yellow, green, khaki and blue.

Reluctant to speak to the media, they could be heard ululating miles away.

"We are sions. We serve a living God. There will be peace in this country..."

FNB stadium fills up for a national prayer day organised by the Motsepe Foundation Image: Nonkululeko Njilo

The congregants travelled from various provinces in cars and busses, with vehicles with registration numbers from Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State and Northwest parked outside the stadium.

Radio personalities took turns in making announcements. Amaza Ntshanga, Mroza Buthelezi and LTK were some of the radio hosts who were keeping the crowds entertained.

According to the Motsepe foundation website, the aim of the prayer day was to:

pray for the unity of all South Africans of all races and languages;

pray for an end to poverty, corruption and crime, particularly crimes against women and children;

pray for the creation of jobs, equality of opportunities and the provision of quality education and skills;

pray for the current land reform discussions to result in land being made available for black people living in the rural and urban areas and to their communities and for a successful and secure future for black and white farmers;

pray for peaceful, fair and just elections in 2019;

pray for God’s guidance, leadership and blessings for a bright future for all South Africans.